HOBOKEN -- Perhaps the shortest non-Senate campaign ever has come to an end.

On Thursday, the Star-Ledger quoted unnamed sources saying that 2nd Ward Hoboken Councilwoman Beth Mason spoke with high-ranked Democratic leaders about running for the U.S. Senate seat left open by the death of Frank Lautenberg.

A day later, in a release, Mason said a few Democratic leaders had encouraged her to run, but she's supporting Newark Mayor Cory Booker for the slot.

Mason said, “While I’m honored, I believe New Jersey voters have an opportunity to make history and elect the first ever African-American United States Senator in Cory Booker,” Mason said.

On the Democratic side, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone and Rep. Rush Holt have also announced. For the Republicans, former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan has announced.

Candidates must get more than 1,000 signatures on a petition by Monday at 4 p.m. in order to run.